Since 2013, creating a new Gmail account has automatically come with the benefit of 15GB of cloud space, shared across Google Drive, Google Photos, and Gmail. However, Google is now testing a new policy to reduce this advantage.
According to recent reports confirmed by Google to AndroidAuthority, some newly created Gmail accounts are now receiving just 5GB of cloud space instead of the usual 15GB. And interestingly, this major policy testing is reportedly focused on African markets for now.
Google fans are not surprised because Google has been making unusual adjustments to its longstanding policies lately.
Earlier in April, the company finally introduced the ability for users in the U.S. to change their Gmail addresses. Now, attention is shifting towards storage policies and account verification.
Verification Requirement and Who is Not Affected
Under this new test, users creating fresh Gmail accounts may see their cloud storage capped at 5GB, unless they add their active phone number to the account. As soon as they fulfil this requirement, the full 15GB allocation will be restored.
For users who are already deeply integrated into Google’s ecosystem, there is currently no need to panic. Existing Gmail accounts will not be affected by this experiment, and the policy only affects target accounts.
The company might intend to use this as a way to reduce spam account creation and encourage identity verification.
They might even intend to use it as an opportunity to grow cloud infrastructure cost. But for users, it changes one of the most attractive features for newcomers.
While Google has not yet verified a permanent plan for this policy yet, this move is already creating discussions online, especially in regions where most users rely on free cloud storage for photos, school files and backups.
What makes this more interesting is the broader pattern formed by Google of recent.
From tightening restrictions around sideloading Android apps outside of the Play Store, to introducing the long-requested Gmail editing feature. Now, they are experimenting with reduced storage access for unverified accounts.
Google seems to be entering a phase of more aggressive ecosystem control and policy restructuring. This is a limited test for now, with no guarantee of global rollout, but as Google I/O 2026 draws closer, it is becoming clearer that 2026 could end up being one of the most interesting years yet for the Android ecosystem.
